Rangers Notes: Harrison, Daniels, Hamels, Gallardo

Rangers officials personally informed Matt Harrison that he was going to be traded midway through the Rangers’ game on Wednesday, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News writes. With rumors of the Cole Hamelstrade swirling, GM Jon Daniels didn’t want an awkward repeat of the 2013 situation when longtime Ranger Ian Kinsler only found out he was dealt to Detroit via social media. Harrison assumed the in-game meeting regarded Hamels, though Harrison thought he was being told that his next start was being pushed a day to accommodate the former Phillie. Here’s some more from the Rangers…

Daniels discussed the Hamels trade and more during an appearance on The Front Office with Jim Duquette and Grant Paulsen on MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM. The Rangers first tried to acquire Hamels in 2012 before he signed his contract extension with the Phillies, and talks between the two sides became serious again both this last offseason and this July (Twitter link).

The Rangers gave up several prospects for Hamels, though Daniels said it was a necessary price given that the Phillies were taking on Harrison’s contract and also sending $9.5MM in cash to Texas. “When you’re talking that significant discount financially we understood we had to put a little more talent in the deal,” Daniels said (Twitter link).

Daniels also talked about the decision to hold onto Yovani Gallardo (audio link), which was inspired by the Rangers’ desire to make a playoff run, no mandate from ownership to unload Gallardo’s salary and the general feeling that there wasn’t an offer on the table that really intrigued the Rangers. “It didn’t make sense for us, we didn’t want to pull the rug from under the club,” Daniels said. “I’d rather have him continue to pitch for us and get the draft pick [if Gallardo leaves in free agency] than get a B- or C-level deal.” The number of other solid pitchers on the market may have been another reason why a Gallardo deal didn’t materialize, the general manager speculated.

In regards to Gallardo’s pending free agency, Daniels said the Rangers will save any negotiations until after the season.

I said the same thing during the Hamels trade talk! A few upgrades in the BP and a solid right handed hitter (catcher?) would make us a solid contender. Hopefully someone will also consider taking Choo and his bad contract…that will still cost Rangers money though.

Not that he’s hitting well anymore, but I’m sure Carlos Ruiz would cost next to nothing and still calls a great game behind the plate. I’m sure Cole would vouch for that. Adding a part-time catcher in Chooch at a low cost (I’d imagine the Phillies would kick in some money too with the money owed) could be an underrated addition to what should be a solid rotation.